UNWTO Revealed Upbeat Figures within the Framework of FITUR 2007
With 842 million arrivals and a 4.5 percent growth rate, 2006 exceeded expectations as the tourism sector continued to enjoy above average results, making it a new record year for the industry.
The latest UNWTO World Tourism Barometer figures –the latest issues was launched in Madrid during the FITUR 2007 travel and tourism fair- suggest that 2007 will consolidate this performance and turn into the fourth year of sustained growth.
“Despite downside risks facing global tourism twelve months ago –in particular terrorism, health scares due to avian flu and rising oil prices- 2006 was another year of good growth above the long-term forecast rate of 4.1 percent, backed up by one of the longest periods of sustained economic expansion”, UNWTO secretary-general Francesco Frangialli said in Madrid.
Africa has outpaced all other regions with almost twice the rate of global growth reaching 8.1 percent in 2006, following an already strong 2005. Asia and the Pacific, up 7.6 percent, was able to maintain its extraordinary growth level, both due to the recovery of Thailand and the Maldives from the impact of the December 2004 tsunami, as well as remarkable performances from emerging destinations in the region.
Europe performed on target last year (up 4 percent). Germany took advantage of the Football World Cup 2006, while Italy had a strong comeback. Spain's solid results also contributed to the generally positive outcome.
Although the Americas 2 percent growth might seem disappointing at first, regional results vary considerably. The rise in the U.S. was not sufficient to offset the weak development in Canada and Mexico.
On the other hand, the results from Central (up 6.1 percent) and South America (up 7.2 percent) show how Latin America is on track to buttressing the positive outcome of recent years. Chile, Colombia, Guatemala, Paraguay and Peru all grew at double-digit-rates.
The increase in international tourist arrivals is projected to be around 4 percent, much in line with the forecast long-term annual growth rate of 4.1 percent through 2020. Growth is expected to be more solid as businesses, consumers, governments and international institutions such as the UNWTO are now better able to anticipate shocks and to respond more effectively to crises.
Against the good tourism results of the past three years and given the still overall favorable economic outlook, this positive trend in the sector looks likely to consolidate in 2007.